Head of Forest Protection

Company Description: Systemiq is the system change company, working to accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy. As a certified B Corp, we partner with business, finance, policymakers and civil society to transform five interconnected systems: energy, nature and food, materials and circularity, sustainable finance, and urban transformation.

We bring together strategy, policy, market design and capital mobilisation to deliver tangible results in the real economy. Founded in 2016, Systemiq has grown to a global team of more than 300 people across Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kenya, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, united by a singular focus on sustainability.

Systemiq is sharing an opportunity for a Head of Forest Protection & Community Impact with a leading tropical forest restoration organisation operating in West Africa.

Head of Forest Protection & Community Impact

Ensuring long-term integrity of restored forest landscapes

Department: Permanence Reports to: CEO Location: Ghana (Accra or site-based: Bibiani / Dambai) Direct Reports: 2 (Social Performance Lead, Livelihoods Lead) Contract Type: Full-time, permanent Functional Team: ~50+ (Protection, ESG)

About the Organisation

The organisation is a large-scale tropical forest restoration company operating in West Africa, focused on restoring degraded, biodiverse ecosystems through long-term, community-centred projects.

With operations across multiple countries, a workforce of 1,000+ employees, and thousands of hectares already restored, the organisation is scaling towards 100,000+ hectares under management.

Projects are long-term and aligned with leading international standards (e.g. VERRA VCS, CCB), delivering measurable climate, biodiversity, and socioeconomic outcomes in partnership with global organisations and local communities.

The Role

This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO, responsible for ensuring that restored and protected forest areas remain secure and viable over the long term.

Forest Protection is the core focus of this role , requiring the design and leadership of large-scale, field-based protection operations. Alongside this, the role integrates community engagement and livelihood programmes to ensure sustainable, long-term outcomes.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in land or asset protection and have evolved into a broader operator, capable of working across protection, community engagement, and programme delivery.

You will lead three integrated functions:

Forest Protection

Livelihood Restoration

Social Performance

Key Responsibilities

Forest Protection

Design and scale protection systems across all project sites

Develop SOPs, patrol strategies, zoning, and incident response frameworks

Lead and grow field protection teams (~50+, expanding significantly)

Integrate GIS, satellite, and drone data into operational decision-making

Ensure all protection activities align with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR)

Build strong working relationships with local authorities and community leaders

Establish data-driven monitoring systems to track incidents and performance

Continuously optimise cost-efficiency as protected areas scale

Livelihood Restoration

Lead programmes that reduce pressure on forest ecosystems

Oversee agricultural intensification and related initiatives

Design locally relevant livelihood interventions

Align programmes with benefit-sharing frameworks

Track and report socioeconomic impact

Social Performance

Oversee community engagement, safeguards, and benefit-sharing

Ensure compliance with IFC Performance Standards

Lead land access processes, including FPIC

Manage social impact measurement and reporting

Maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders

Security & Human Rights (VPSHR)

Embed VPSHR principles across all protection operations

Conduct risk assessments and define rules of engagement

Oversee training, grievance mechanisms, and incident management

Ensure transparent reporting to leadership and stakeholders

ESG Oversight

Provide oversight of ESG reporting via the Social Performance function

Ensure alignment with investor and certification requirements

What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)

A scalable, clearly defined forest protection system operating across all sites

Strong SOPs, patrol models, and incident response frameworks in place

A high-performing, disciplined protection team with clear leadership structure

Measurable reduction in encroachment and illegal activity

Strong, trust-based relationships with local communities and authorities

Livelihood programmes demonstrably reducing pressure on forest areas

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

5+ years leading land or asset protection at scale (1,000+ hectares), ideally in sub-Saharan Africa

Significant field-based operational experience

Proven ability to lead and scale teams of 50+ personnel

Experience implementing VPSHR-aligned protection approaches

Working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards

Ability to use spatial tools (GIS, satellite, drones) for operational decision-making

Strong experience engaging with rural communities and local stakeholders

Background in conservation, land use, or natural resource management

Ideal Background

Landscape-scale conservation (e.g. African Parks, WCS, park authorities)

Large-scale agriculture, forestry, or plantation operations

Extractive industries with strong ESG and community frameworks

Education

Degree in relevant field (e.g. conservation, environmental science, security, social sciences); advanced degree preferred

Languages

English required; French or West African languages advantageous

Personal Qualities

Strong operator with a bias for execution

Comfortable working in remote, challenging environments

Able to build systems and teams from the ground up

Credible across field teams, communities, and senior stakeholders

High integrity and commitment to human rights

Motivated by long-term environmental impact

Location

Based in Ghana (Accra or project sites). Frequent travel to remote field locations required.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and brief cover note outlining relevant experience and motivation

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